Longtime fans of Marvel Studios have probably given the original “X-Men: The Animated Series” a watch during the time since its original run from 1992 to 1997. However, fans are in luck because Disney Plus’s long-awaited sequel series “X-Men ‘97” premiered with its first two episodes on March 20.
The new series acts as a continuation of the original show, but new fans can hop into “X-Men ‘97” with limited knowledge and still enjoy the episodes.
“We were making sure as creatives that there were certain things we have to do to keep the action fresh and not fall back on what we did before. But there were definitely times where you could go a little hog, nasty, wild with some of the action or some of the modern techniques,” Jake Castorena, head director of the show, said in an interview with IndieWire.
Despite the 27-year difference between the original show and the Disney Plus version, the series has no major differences except for one: Charles Xavier’s death.
“X-Men ‘97” picks up just months after the former headmaster’s death. Scott Summers, also known as Cyclops, struggles to pick up the mantle handed down to him. The premiere episode focuses on his attempt to pick up the team’s morale.
And while his attempt is successful and the team bands together when Scott calls for his X-Men, that success is quickly overshadowed by Magneto’s return as an ally, not the main villain.
Charles left his team and his school to his former friend turned nemesis, Magneto, before he passed, and now the team has to learn how to cohabitate in the school with the same person they have been fighting against for years.
The show also follows the comic timeline, which includes a past romance between Rogue and Magneto — something that is not touched on in the original animated series or the movies.
I have noticed that the series also enhances certain characters in a new light. Scott, for example, has more personality in “X-Men ‘97” than just being the leader. Storm’s powers are highlighted more as well. Jubilee’s character arc goes full circle with her helping out Roberto Da Costa. Wolverine is still yearning for Jean.
Despite being a continuation of a series made 27 years ago, the show does not make any unnecessary callbacks to exclusively use the nostalgia factor. The animation is also a great mix of the old show and new animation techniques.
“Where is the show that we know and love and the show that we remember, right? The show that we feel. But also finding that delicate balance of what coworkers, friends, and peers are doing in the industry right now with the medium and just elevating animation” Castorena said in an interview with Moviefone.
Overall, I think the show does an excellent job of continuing the X-Men legacy that has been mistreated by Marvel so many times. Hopefully, with “X-Men ‘97” being on Disney Plus, it can really push forward a new way to tackle the team in live action. The blueprint is right there.
